03-09-16 Leo’s Birthday Party

Saturday 3rd September 2016

Our family has so much fun today, we cant make sense of it all! Firstly the joy on Kingsley’s face when he spotted his Ba-Báh this morning, back from Malta. Then after a two-egg breakfast our trip riding on the metro together, with Big Boy Kingsley no longer wearing a nappy when out in public. And no accidents! Then arriving on time to a very special party (this never happens, the on time bit), to attend his little mate Leo’s birthday celebration at a place we’ve not been to before – Kid’s HQ -just a wee cab ride up Umm Sequim Road.

Even though Erroll was delirious from jetlag, he danced the chicken dance with the rest of the dads during the ‘disco’ bit of the party and climbed through netting to chase his son through the soft play mazes, all the while I hung out with Camilla and Leo’s mum Jodie sipping green tea (wishing it were wine) in the coffee shop attached. Kids screeched past us chasing each other, literally round and round the tables. Toddlers fought their way through crowds to get to mini pizzas and tetra packs of fruit juice drinks. It was loud and amusing. However  at one point I sensed Erroll’s pain so ordered him a strong coffee; he was grateful for the pep.

Proud as I am of Erroll for merely accompanying us to this wild kiddies affair when on zero sleep after a long flight, I was crazy thrilled when Kingsley held his wee till I chaperoned him to the loo at the end of the party. A dry toddler! Who would have thought! All in all a delightful Saturday spent among good friends in a terrific spot to cheer little Leo as he turned four.

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Catching the metro to the Mall of the Emirates for Leo’s party at Kids HQ

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The Badawis cutting Leo’s birthday cake

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The Hassans and the Hartleys eat together

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Koa, Leo and Kingsley with their balloons

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Cake time!

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The boys waiting for rides home after Leo’s party